The Algarve

Portugal

Lagos Travel Guide

Today Lagos is one of the Algarve's most popular holiday
destinations and there are hotels in Lagos catering for all needs.
This once ancient port city boasts some of the area's best beaches
within walking distance from most of the hotels in Lagos. Arguably
the most splendid beach is Meia Praia to the east of town, where
some of the best apartments in Lagos are to be found.

The southern peninsula features some sheltered cove beaches,
many of which are close to some of the best hotels in Lagos. Praia
de Dona Ana is very picturesque but usually overcrowded in summer.
There is much to do other than relaxing on the beaches or in the
hotels in Lagos, such as a visit to the old town which has a
fascinating history dating back to the Carthaginians. During the
great Portuguese age of discovery the port became a caravel
shipyard and was the jumping-off point for many a voyage to the
East. Although much of the town was destroyed in the earthquake of
1755, there are still some ruins of interest remaining among the
many restaurants, bars and hotels in Lagos.

Cheap holidays in Lagos have something for the whole family and
hotels in Lagos can be booked through major travel agencies. Self
catering apartments in Lagos may often be the cheapest option.

Besides an ongoing flea market that sprawls through the streets,
Lagos boasts numerous fascinating shops and boutiques, especially
in the pedestrianised old city. Browsing is as pleasurable as
buying in the well-stocked shops that are bristling with attractive
local wares, from wickerwork to filigree jewellery, copperware and
leather goods to wine and pastries.

Eating out is part of the pleasure of a holiday on
the Algarve, and Lagos offers the best choice of establishments in
which to indulge. Seafood lovers will be ecstatic, but no one, even
vegetarians, will be disappointed or go hungry. A good choice would
be to visit the marina, where restaurants serve waterfront
breakfasts, lunches and dinners seven days a week. For creative
international cuisine, visit some of the establishments in town,
which cater to almost everyone, including vegetarians. Truly
gourmet local specialities like pork chops with figs, savoury
shrimp, and succulent shellfish are enjoyed at upper class spots
all around Lagos, with many having big wine cellars to boast as
well.

The centre of Lagos comes alive in the evenings with
buskers and street entertainers, and the nightlife in Lagos can
compete with any holiday resort in the Algarve, with several
energetic dance clubs and character-filled bars strewn through the
main part of town. Most establishments have live music, darts, pool
tables and Sky TV sports channels, and stay open late until 2 or
4am.

In Lagos, there is little need to do anything more to enjoy your
holiday other than sprawl on the sandy beach with an occasional dip
in the ocean, but those who need more activity can choose between
dozens of pursuits like sailing, wind-surfing, fishing,
para-sailing, microlight flights and scuba diving. Golf is a major
attraction here as it is throughout the Algarve, with the Palmares
and Alto courses nearby offering a round with sea views. There is
also the challenge of the Penina Championship Course, site of many
a Portuguese Open. Those who hire a car will be well-rewarded in
exploring the adjacent coastline and seeking out unspoilt villages
and beaches. There are also a few sightseeing opportunities in the
town, including an interesting museum.

Navigation

Lagos Travel Guide

Today Lagos is one of the Algarve's most popular holiday
destinations and there are hotels in Lagos catering for all needs.
This once ancient port city boasts some of the area's best beaches
within walking distance from most of the hotels in Lagos. Arguably
the most splendid beach is Meia Praia to the east of town, where
some of the best apartments in Lagos are to be found.

The southern peninsula features some sheltered cove beaches,
many of which are close to some of the best hotels in Lagos. Praia
de Dona Ana is very picturesque but usually overcrowded in summer.
There is much to do other than relaxing on the beaches or in the
hotels in Lagos, such as a visit to the old town which has a
fascinating history dating back to the Carthaginians. During the
great Portuguese age of discovery the port became a caravel
shipyard and was the jumping-off point for many a voyage to the
East. Although much of the town was destroyed in the earthquake of
1755, there are still some ruins of interest remaining among the
many restaurants, bars and hotels in Lagos.

Cheap holidays in Lagos have something for the whole family and
hotels in Lagos can be booked through major travel agencies. Self
catering apartments in Lagos may often be the cheapest option.

Besides an ongoing flea market that sprawls through the streets,
Lagos boasts numerous fascinating shops and boutiques, especially
in the pedestrianised old city. Browsing is as pleasurable as
buying in the well-stocked shops that are bristling with attractive
local wares, from wickerwork to filigree jewellery, copperware and
leather goods to wine and pastries.

Eating out is part of the pleasure of a holiday on
the Algarve, and Lagos offers the best choice of establishments in
which to indulge. Seafood lovers will be ecstatic, but no one, even
vegetarians, will be disappointed or go hungry. A good choice would
be to visit the marina, where restaurants serve waterfront
breakfasts, lunches and dinners seven days a week. For creative
international cuisine, visit some of the establishments in town,
which cater to almost everyone, including vegetarians. Truly
gourmet local specialities like pork chops with figs, savoury
shrimp, and succulent shellfish are enjoyed at upper class spots
all around Lagos, with many having big wine cellars to boast as
well.

The centre of Lagos comes alive in the evenings with
buskers and street entertainers, and the nightlife in Lagos can
compete with any holiday resort in the Algarve, with several
energetic dance clubs and character-filled bars strewn through the
main part of town. Most establishments have live music, darts, pool
tables and Sky TV sports channels, and stay open late until 2 or
4am.

In Lagos, there is little need to do anything more to enjoy your
holiday other than sprawl on the sandy beach with an occasional dip
in the ocean, but those who need more activity can choose between
dozens of pursuits like sailing, wind-surfing, fishing,
para-sailing, microlight flights and scuba diving. Golf is a major
attraction here as it is throughout the Algarve, with the Palmares
and Alto courses nearby offering a round with sea views. There is
also the challenge of the Penina Championship Course, site of many
a Portuguese Open. Those who hire a car will be well-rewarded in
exploring the adjacent coastline and seeking out unspoilt villages
and beaches. There are also a few sightseeing opportunities in the
town, including an interesting museum.